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The Bulldogs U12/13s fell to a 48-16 defeat to NEW Ravens this morning. The Bulldogs made the 200 mile round trip in search of a challenge and they were certainly given that. The Ravens, who were better in most departments than the Bulldogs, dished out a lesson in passing, as they exploited the Bulldogs out-wide.

After a very slow start (three knock-ons in the first 3 sets) for the Bulldogs, they began to find their feet, but were already two scores down. Having given their opposition far too much respect, they resolved to muscle up and give it a real go in attack and defence.

In reality, a few players were off their game, and with Robbie and Barney trying desperately to bring players into the game, it was strong performances from Luca, Nate and George C who had the biggest influence, terrific attack and putting in a few good hits in defence also.

With Luca scoring 2 tries and Robbie chipping in with another, Barney crashed a conversion over from out wide also. A now familiar last gasp tackle from Alfie R stopped a final try, with the crowd going wild for the chase down and tackle. 

At 48-16, there is plenty for the Bulldogs to work on, but where they stuck to their plan, they were effective. Ball security and defence remain key priorities if the Bulldogs are to improve further in the coming weeks.

Thanks and well done to everyone who made the journey, including parents and coaches. It is these experiences that often prove the most valuable and we will brush ourselves down and return to training with increased momentum.

 Match Report: Primary teams and U12/13s at East Retford Rugby Club Junior Section

The small band of Bulldogs U7s played a well contested and fun series of mini matches against the massed-ranks of our Retford counterparts. After an uncertain start, possibly down to nerves, the young Bulldogs began to find their feet. Thanks to our hosts and to coach Sarah for creating a lively, but enjoyable atmosphere for all the children to have fun.

Our combined U8-11 team also played some good rugby. There was a good attitude generally and a chance for some players to shine in the 'touch' environment. It wasn't always easy to get everyone involved in the game, but players stuck to the task and grew into the game. 

The U13s were in clinical form with the ball in hand and gave their opposition a fantastic lesson in free-flowing rugby league. It is sometimes claimed that rugby league is a simple game, but on this occasion, the core skills of passing, catching, varied running lines, quick play-the-balls and sound game management set the Bulldogs aside from a gutsy Retford side, playing the 13 a-side code for the first time. The home team, enjoying their first game of any sort for 18 months gradually grew into the game, adapting to the demands of the high-octane Bulldogs approach and at times were able to get the ball wide to ask a few questions of the Bulldogs defence. Whilst they didn't manage to cross the Bulldogs try line, they were certainly a growing force as the game went on. (We were sure it would come eventually and it surely will when we meet again). Well done to them for working hard and giving their all in an unfamiliar game format.

All in all, the U13s will be pleased with their performance, adapting well to unfamiliar defensive and attacking lines, and scoring a host of really well worked tries. The most satisfying efforts came when the Bulldogs found space across the park, shifting the ball impressively from one side of the field to the other to go in at the corner on several occasions.

The players and coaches enjoyed their morning of rugby and are very much looking forward to welcoming the East Retford teams to The Kennel for a repeat of this morning's activity.  

The Bulldogs returned from Derbyshire with their pride levels at 100% as a record number of players for an away fixture met their Bolsover Bulls counterparts this morning. 

The youngest players played an excellent round-robin tournament and showed some very good organisation. Coach Sarah was impressed with how the team played together and it was great to see another debutant join the ranks.

The U9s team proved a big challenge for the Bulls and scored plenty of great tries in the process. The pocket-rocket, Jules, scored the try of the game with an amazing touchline run from his own half, beating all tackle attempts on his way to the corner. Powerful running from Tait and big defence from Douglas meant that the Bulldogs were dominant for much of the game. The Bulls came into the game in the later stages and scored a few excellent tries of their own.

Honours were even in a small sided game for the U11s, with each player showing some excellent skill and commitment. Both teams traded tries for the duration of the game and played out a very enjoyable encounter.

Finally, at U13s, the Bulldogs were beaten by a huge and physical Bolsover side who always had the edge. Travelling with only 11 fit players, missing both half-backs and with only 4 true U13s in the line-up, the Bulldogs played with great heart and desire. John took a massive hit in the first collision of the game and that would have wiped out many for the duration. He got up and played every minute of the game. That toughness was seen all over the field for the Bulldogs. With Bolsolver rolling 3 subs and Bulldogs playing with a continuous 11, only fantastic last-ditch defence from Alfie kept the Bulldogs in the game, twice thwating certain tries with incredible tackles. 

Down 8-4 at half-time, the Bulldogs had shown superb commitment and passion for the club and whilst in the end, the superior physique, organisation and numbers saw the Bulls run out much deserved 28-8 winners, there were many positives to take from the game. U12s Elliot B and Oscar both crossed the whitewash (well, cones!) for the Bulldogs. 

The players at all ages did their club proud today again and that is all we can ask as coaches. Keep up the great work Bulldogs! We look forward to welcoming the Bulls back to The Kennel in a few weeks time.

The Bulldogs U13s recorded an emphatic 54-14 win against Immingham Wasps on a day where the Primary age groups got their competitive season underway at a very soggy Kennel.

The players, coaches, parents and volunteers at Bassetlaw Bulldogs RLFC raise their hats to the magnificent folk from Immingham Wasps Junior Rugby Club who braved horrendous conditions to journey over to Nottinghamshire this morning and play out some great rugby league.

Playing rugby league is not all about what happens on the pitch - it is about character and discipline - and all of the 70 players from across both clubs who took part in today's games showed bags of it. Determination, commitment, drive, resilience, laughing in the face of adversity; all characteristics that could have so easily been left on the sofa at home today.

At U13s, the dominant Bulldogs had too much for the brave Wasps, who, despite being on the wrong side of a heavy 54-14 score line are hitting harder than ever before in attack and defence and will improve quickly now they are back into regular games. Another fine game by Robbie in attack and defence set the tone for the Bulldogs who dominated large parts of the game. With three of the backs with only 6 games between them, they all performed well.

Horatio led the Bulldogs charge in the forwards, taking some huge hits from the Wasps' biggest player! Each time, he got up, brushed himself down and went in for more. That tone was a signal to others that they could do the same and many rose to the challenge. 

In truth, the Bulldogs were too strong across the park and their persistence proved too much for the Wasps, who continued to give their all throughout the game. Sportingly, both Robbie and Elliott joined the Wasps team for the last 10 minutes and both crossed for tries for their adopted team. It was that spirit of competition that makes rugby league so attractive.

The U11s were also on really good form and with newbies on both teams, it was a joy to see the two teams battling gamely through the torrential rain and enjoying their match immensely. 

The match-up between the Wasps and Bulldogs U8s and 9s was a bruising affair, with some titanic tackling and barnstorming runs. The round robin format saw the Wasps play some fine rugby against the massed ranks of the two Bulldogs teams.

And finally, the patient and determined touch participants played until they could no longer feel their toes, in their own round-robin series. Again, hordes of Bulldogs were delighted to welcome their Lincolnshire counterparts for a really great game.

Thank you to everyone who made today possible, for sticking at it and giving it a chance. Rugby League won today, without a doubt.

Line-up: Elliot B, Horatio, George, Oscar, Oliver, Nate, John, Elliot M, Luca, Sylvain, Harry, Alfie, Robbie

A gutsy Bulldogs U13s display blew away the cobwebs against visitors Sheffield Hawks in an entertaining affair at The Kennel.

Having spent the best part of 6 months longing for a fixture following the Covid-19 lockdown, both teams were glad to be heading back onto the playing field for a competitive fixture. The visitors, Sheffield Hawks, will be playing in the Yorkshire Junior League this season and offered stiff opposition to the Bulldogs.

Early nerves were soon put to one side as the teams traded scores, with the Bulldogs looking menacing in attack and winning their fair share of the collisions in defence. It was the Bulldogs who crossed first, setting the attacking tone for the rest of the game.

As the Hawks began to grow into the game, they took the lead following a quick double, both long-range tries, coming as a result of good running and effective wide-passing. It was a move that the Bulldogs needed to halt as the game went on, as the Hawks were keen to exploit the Bulldogs line, which for a time was too generous in leaving space out wide.

A flurry of superb runs from man of the match Robbie soon put the Bulldogs back in control, with Luca and Elliot M pushing him close for the accolade. Robbie, playing without his usual half-back partner, Barney, (broken arm) was instrumental in holding the Bulldogs shape in attack. Persistent hit-ups from John and Horatio set a good platform for the backs, including busy centres George C and Elliot B, to use their pace well. When their chances came, both Nate and Oliver looked after the ball well going forward. 

Whilst the Bulldogs were looking dangerous in attack, Elliot M led from the front with some incredible tackling, with Harry P picking on the biggest player on the pitch for his best tackle! 

As the game progressed, the Hawks once more pulled the game back, through powerful running with the ball. But with the game poised at 26-all, it was the Bulldogs who finished strongest, notching their own try in the dying minutes and holding firm on their own line under prolonged pressure from the Hawks.

All in all, there was much for both teams to be pleased with in this friendly game and plenty to work on too. With club debuts for Oscar Cowen and Alfie Roberts, there is more to come in the next few weeks from the pair, both of whom grew into their first ever games of rugby league very well..

Line-up: Elliot B, Horatio, George, Oscar, Oliver, Nate, John, Elliot M, Luca, Harry, Alfie, Robbie

55 junior players across 3 age groups played out a fantastic morning of rugby league on the playing field on Saturday 17th October. From the moment the visitors from Bolsover Bulls arrived, the excitement was palpable; it had been so long since any of the participants had played competitive rugby league. To say there had been such a gap between games, the quality of play was excellent. However, it was the positive attitude and behaviour of every player, coach and volunteer that made the day really quite special.

At U7s age group, 14 Bulldogs players lined up in 2 separate games and had a wonderful time. Whilst tries were aplenty for both teams, nobody was really counting, choosing to revel instead in the enjoyment of the sense of freedom the opportunity had created.

The second game was a tag rugby league match for U8s-U10s. After trading tries in a similar fashion to the U7s, the players played some really good rugby and are now looking forward to playing again!

Finally, an epic battle took place on the new Rugby League field, with the long-awaited first use of the goal posts. It was a game to remember as both teams put up a brilliant display. Everyone who had the privilege to watch the free-flowing game said how wonderfully entertaining it was. Spectators would never have known this was the first fully-contested game for 12 months, given the pounding runs and crunching tackles on display from two fantastically committed teams. The Bulldogs eventually won the contest 30-24 in a nail-biting encounter.

In leaving no stone unturned, the planning of the event was akin to a major sporting occasion, but many brilliant volunteers pulled together in advance and on the day to make it a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Everyone involved simply cannot wait until we get to do this again in a fortnight when both clubs meet in the return fixtures.

Since the very early days of the club, the name ‘Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw’ has been emblazoned on the playing kit of Bassetlaw Bulldogs RLFC and today that arrangement has been extended further. 

The charity, whose mission is to provide funds to create, maintain and expand opportunities for the area’s young people to experience high quality clubs and events where there may be barriers in the way, have once again dug deep to offer financial support. As a result of the grant of £400 to the club, we are delighted to be able to continue to train coaches and volunteers for our quickly expanding rugby league club. 

This year alone, the East Markham-based club has welcomed 22 new members, many of whom have joined the club’s ambitious but fruitful Covid-safe training sessions in recent months. The rate of membership increase means that more of our wonderful adult volunteers are required to deliver top-notch coaching and first aid. The grant will be used to help cover some of the costs associated with their training.

Phil Abbott, Chair and founder of the Bulldogs said, ‘This is wonderful news! We have benefited greatly in the past from the generous donations from FOYPiB and we will use this grant to further our work in the community.’ 

He went on to say, ‘The match between the values of our club and mission of FOYPiB is a perfect fit and we can’t thank the trustees enough for their support. By way of marking our appreciation, the new logo of the organisation will take centre-stage on our next playing kit, soon to me made.’

Noelle Barron, Development Manager at Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw responded, ‘Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw are pleased to support Bassetlaw Bulldogs. The charity and the club have previously worked in partnership and we are delighted to be able to continue. We are thrilled to support a club that advocates participation and involvement so that children can flourish to be the best they can be.’

You can find out more about Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw by visiting their website at https://www.foypib.org.uk/ 

The past few months have been difficult for us all, but there have been some rays of sunlight bursting through the clouds for East Markham's rugby league team, Bassetlaw Bulldogs, recently. Whilst the start of lockdown brought an abrupt end to the Bulldogs youngster’s twice-weekly training sessions, it paved the way for other jobs to be completed.

The final part of the grant obtained from the Rugby League 2021 World Cup Legacy Fund was spent on erecting the rugby posts on the playing field, subsidised by generous donations from a number of locals. We are hugely grateful for this. Donations of time from Bob Bennett, Lee Gozzard and Pete Gilbert allowed the digging and setting of the hefty post foundations, assisted and co-ordinated by club maestro, Phil Abbott and family. 

We also continue to work with the Parish Council on the Pavilion project and although the progress is steady, everyone involved is working hard to get the best building we can for the playing field and, of course, all other users. 

In June, the club received the go-ahead to return to socially-distanced training, following a change in government guidance and the submission of a thorough risk assessment by the club to the Rugby Football League. We would like to thank the RFL for their support over the past few months, particularly in providing training resources for socially distanced activity. 

All sports clubs have, by law, been expected to train outside in groups of no more than 6 (or in our case, 5 children and 1 coach), with strict rules around arrival and departure from the venue, sharing of equipment and use of facilities. We took this extremely seriously to ensure the safety of all of our participants. The message soon got round to other families looking for well-organised outdoor sport for their children and we have seen 15 new members join the club recently. 

At the time of writing, the RFL have submitted their Return to Play plan to the government and hope to receive clearance to resume modified non/low-contact matches in the not too distant future. In the meantime, the club continues to run sessions on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The club currently has youngsters between 6 and 12 years old and welcomes new members of any level of skill or experience. Please contact Phil Abbott on 07957 790750 or bassetlawbulldogs@btinternet.comfor further information.

The Kennel hosted the Bolsover Bulls for their first trip to East Markham on a dry, warm morning in Nottinghamshire. An opportune drop-in from former Wigan and Great Britain forward Phil Clarke was also a very welcome sight for both clubs as he wished the players well before they went into battle.

The younger Bulldogs age groups joined forces with their Bulls counterparts to play out a fun mixed-age tag rugby league fixture, played in excellent spirit. With coaches actively involved in encouraging and developing participation, smiles were abound. Congratulations to Freddie who made an excellent debut for the Bulldogs and well done to the Bulldogs players who sportingly donned the Bulls shirt to match the numbers.

At U11s, 8 of the Bulldogs players rotated playing for the Bulls, which lent itself nicely to involving all players in a very evenly matched contest. Indeed, McKenzie even crossed for the Bulls against his team-mates with an excellent try from dummy half, catching the Bulldogs asleep in defence!

Missing several players (to residential camp), the Bulldogs welcomed back Robbie after a stint on the sidelines and he soon got back into the swing of things. Making the most of quick play-the-balls, the Bulldogs were always a threat going forward, albeit lacking some of the width that had been worked on in recent weeks. 

Both sides tried to play attacking rugby league, and whilst there were a few too many handling errors from both sides, it was good to see the endeavour. At 18-18, the game was well poised at half-time.

The second half saw the Bulldogs improve, although in truth, both teams were already strong in defence. As the game progressed, both teams upped the physicality and some great hits were put in from all angles. With daylight appearing between the two teams in the closing minutes, the Bulldogs had done enough to take the victory, despite a fine Bulls try on the final whistle. The game ended 32-22 to the Bulldogs, but, based on previous performances, both sides seem to have continued to improve their skill and knowledge of the game. 

Thanks to our volunteers, including the coaches for their best direction and the officials for their best efforts. Thanks too to the supporters for their loud and encouraging voices! 

Saturday 1st June 2019

The Bulldogs welcomed Immingham Wasps and Sheffield Warriors to The Kennel on a glorious day in Nottinghamshire. The sun shone whilst players from all the teams toiled in the hot conditions. Whilst fun was had by all, it was at times hard work in the sweltering conditions. 

With the U7s and U9s buddying up with the Wasps to face Sheffield Warriors at both age groups, the games were played in excellent spirit. In particular, Jemima and Lily were influential in both attack and defence.

At U11s level, the Bulldogs fielded two sides to match up against Immingham Wasps in a round-robin fixture list. 

In the first game, the Bulldogs Maroons matched up against Immingham Wasps and it soon became clear that the Wasps were better tuned in to the task in hand. The Bulldogs hadn't trained together for over a week and they were disjointed and lacking intensity. The Wasps on the other hand showed great determination and physicality to dominate the opening stages. Gradually, the Bulldogs came back into the game, once they had recognised the massive physical threat of one or two of the Wasps runners.  More organised attacking salvos and increased defensive intensity gradually saw the Bulldogs stamp their authority on a tiring Wasps side. Memorable busts by Luca were followed up with excellent tries from Elliot B and Barney, the latter who sliced through the defensive line with a brilliant dummy, followed by a glorious shoulder drop to beat the full-back and breeze over under the sticks. The rusty Bulldogs came home 38-26, but were pushed all the way by a quickly improving Wasps outfit.

Game two saw the two Bulldogs teams match up. Once again, the Bulldogs Maroons were slow out of the blocks and it was the better rested Golds who stormed into an early 10-0 lead. Charlie W was a delight to watch with ball in hand. With the Bulldogs Golds taking advantage of a wilting Maroons team, it took a big effort from the Maroons to get back into the game, which they gradually did. Indeed, with only seconds on the clock and the scores locked at 22-22, they nearly stole the victory, but a tenacious last-gasp Golds tackle on the whistle meant that honours were shared.

In the final game, the Bulldogs Golds backed up against the Wasps, who were comfortable leaders for most of the game. The dominant Wasps (plus a few Bulldogs) finished the morning excellently and walked away 42-28 winners, but not before Charlie W scored another long-range try for the Bulldogs.

There was plenty to take from today's games, but defensive weakness remains the Achilles Heal for both Bulldogs sides. The attitude players need to show is seen in attack, but not in defence and the players will be required to improve that aspect of their game to succeed. 

Sunday 19th May 2019

The Bulldogs travelled to North East Worcestershire Ravens for the first of 4 Midlands Summer Development Festivals, enjoying the challenge of playing against a number of teams at the U11 age group. 

Taking enough to fill their own team roster and compliment another, the young Bulldogs side were made up of 4 Y6s and 8 Y5s, all of whom performed at the top end of their abilities.

The opening game against a huge Notttingham side was a tough first encounter. The very physical nature of the Nottingham Outlaws' opening 5 minutes caused the diminutive Bulldogs all kinds of problems. In losing play-maker Robbie in the opening minutes (and subsequently for the rest of the festival), the Bulldogs had to play their way into the tie. Luca seized the moment and gave the Outlaws something to think about with a flurry of barnstorming runs, and grabbed a brace to put the Bulldogs in front after conceding earlier. The Bulldogs steadily began to play around the tiring Outlaws pack and was it not for a bizarre late Outlaws try, could have taken victory. A draw seemed fair and the Bulldogs had already learnt much about themselves. Barney stood up to the plate in the absence of Robbie to ensure that the Bulldogs kept their shape in attack and Luca was unstoppable going forward.

Second up, the Bulldogs faced Bolsover Bulls. This match-up will hopefully be one of many to come in the future with the Derbyshire outfit. With the Bulls taking loan of a couple of our players, the Bulldogs were once again grateful for the dominant running of Luca who grabbed a hat-trick of tries before half-time. The resilient Bulls never gave up and scored a brace of tries themselves. With Elliot and Barney grabbing short-range tries before the final whistle, the mood was positive as the Bulldogs came home 5 tries to 2.

The third assignment was easily the toughest with a game against NEW Ravens. Their lightening pace and excellent tackling meant that the Bulldogs were given a real rugby lesson! It was pleasing to note that the Bulldogs gave their best until the final whistle, nursing a host of knocks, bashes and scrapes.

As the festival ended a little earlier than anticipated, a quickly arranged game with Bolsover saw the Bulldogs and Bulls finish the day with a cracking mix-and-match game, played in excellent spirits.

A huge thanks to the volunteers at NEW Ravens and the Midlands Junior Rugby League for an excellent day and best wishes to Robbie for a speedy recovery!

Saturday 30th March 2019

The Bulldogs started their 2019 season with a positive morning at The Kennel against Immingham Wasps and Sheffield Warriors. 

For some, this was a debut in the claret and amber shirts, whereas for others, it was an opportunity to continue their rugby league development for a second season.

The U7s enjoyed a game against mixed sides from the three clubs, and everyone seemed to have great fun. At U9s, there were impressive displays from all of the team, playing together for the first time in this configuration.

At U11s, arguably Bulldogs' strongest age group, 15 players represented the team and all took it in turns to play for the opposition also throughout the morning. A bruising set of encounters of this age group had rendered a number of Wasps and Warriors injured, but they gamely continued with a few Bulldogs loanees.

The morning began with an U12s game, with 4 Bulldogs U11s joining the fun in a mix and match game. The Bulldogs team (with a couple of Wasps loanees) recorded a comfortable victory, as did the Bulldogs U11s, but as the scores weren't the most important aspects of each game, it was important that the 70 or so players present learnt more about the game, and a bout themselves.

As ever, we greatly enjoyed hosting our friends from Sheffield and Immingham and we very much look forward to meeting up later in the season.

A healthy representation of players, coaches and supporters celebrated the inaugural season for the village Rugby League team, Bassetlaw Bulldogs RLFC, on Saturday 16th February.

Marking a wonderful year, and in anticipation for the soon to follow new season, awards were shared in a range of categories to mark some outstanding achievements. Presented by resident Rugby League commentator, Bill Arthur, children were complemented for their commitment, attitude and personal development as a result of a glittering experience during the course of 2018.

Numerous games, both home and away were punctuated by some other fantastic experiences for the players. A trip to Wembley in August saw them compete in a nationwide competition, along with a walk around the hallowed turf of Wembley just before the Challenge Cup Final. Many of you will have seen them walk out as mascots with the England national team at their recent International with New Zealand, live on the BBC, whilst a visit to an East Markham training session by a host of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats players was a highlight for many.

 The club has had a superb start to its life, under the leadership of founder Phil Abbott and his band of eager volunteers. Reaching over 30 children last season, the club is hoping to top the 50 mark during 2019. The club is hoping to run age groups from U7 to U12 in the new season, and training gets underway on 2nd March at 9.30am. Children aged 5 and above are most welcome at this family orientated club.

Please contact Phil on 07957 790750 or look at the club website, www.bassetlawbulldogs.co.uk for more information.